Value of Life and Human Dignity

Value of Life

• A "culture of death" is actively promoted by powerful cultural, economic, and political forces.
• This culture prioritizes efficiency, convenience, and self-interest above human dignity and the sacredness of life.

Threats to Human Life

• Poisoning human society is a major threat.
• Denying God is the supreme dishonor to God.
• Insulting human dignity is a threat.
• A quote from Wisdom 1:13-14; 2:23-24 emphasizes that death wasn't part of God's original plan.

Preserve Idea of Freedom

• Prioritizing individual autonomy and self-interest comes at the expense of the common good and human dignity.
• Perverse freedom is equal to absolute individualism.
• True freedom is relational.

Loss of the Sense of God

• Living as if God doesn't exist causes a loss of the mystery of both God and the world.
• People can no longer grasp the true meaning of their existence.
• Lack of the sense of God leads to a culture of death and materialistic ideologies.
• God's presence and providence are challenged by suffering and illness.
• The need for the protection of life is growing.

The Christian Message Concerning Life

• Jesus Christ is central to understanding and living out the Gospel of life.
• Life is inherently good, a sign of God's presence and providence.
• Challenges such as suffering, illness, or disability don't lessen a person's value.
• Trusting in God's strength and salvation offers hope.
• Jesus provides clarity, purpose, and meaning to human life.

Eternal Life

• Eternal life is the culmination of human existence.
• Knowing God involves accepting the mystery of the Trinity.
• Sharing in God's life leads to eternal life.

Marriage and Family Life

• Marriage is a sacred institution designed by God.
• Marriage involves deep personal union between spouses grounded in love and mutual respect.
• Marriage serves both unitive and procreative purposes.

Abortion

• Every human being, including the unborn, has inherent dignity and a right to life.
• Societies should protect the right to life and support pregnant women.
• The Church should advocate for the protection of all human life and offer support to those faced with difficult pregnancies.
• Abortion is the direct killing of a human being.

Euthanasia

• Euthanasia is deemed a grave moral evil.
• Euthanasia intentionally ends a human life.
• Compassionate and palliative care should be offered to the suffering.
• Medical professionals must respect the proper course of life.
• Euthanasia differs from decisions regarding aggressive medical treatment.

Death Penalty

• Modern society can protect itself without capital punishment, reducing and abolishing the death penalty is desired.
• Every human being has the right to life and should be protected.

Suicide

• Suicide is a grave mortal sin.
• Providing compassion and support to those struggling with mental health challenges is important.
• Committing suicide is a rejection of God's sovereignty over life and death.

Building a Culture of Life

• Individual and community commitment is required for protecting human life.
• A service of life should be rooted in love.
• The family should be a sanctuary of life, responsible for protecting, revealing, and communicating love.